Seeking new lighting solutions, UK-based retail chain Wilko has chosen to partner with the Zumtobel Group. The Group is to provide the lighting for over 380 Wilko stores and two distribution centres, deploying an LED lighting solution from the Thorn and Zumtobel brands. In the course of this major project spanning the next 18 months, more than 150,000 products with associated control systems will be supplied. By the end of 2017 all internal fittings will be fully LED.
Turnkey lighting solution and services One central factor in winning the order was the extensive range of value added services that the Zumtobel Group offers. Wilko will be provided with a full turnkey lighting solution comprising lighting design, installation, maintenance and extended warranty. The Zumtobel Group will be responsible for the overall project management, while proven local partners take care of the actual installation in the Wilko stores. Another decisive factor for Wilko was the energy efficiency of the products. The latest innovative LED lighting will bring Wilko up to 70 percent reduction in energy costs. The broad range of products that the Zumtobel Group can offer through its brands means that the Group is ideally placed to meet the very different lighting requirements at the various Wilko stores.
“We are delighted that Wilko has chosen to put its trust in the Zumtobel Group as its lighting partner,” said Zumtobel Group CEO Ulrich Schumacher. “This major order illustrates to perfection where our Group’s strengths lie: With our multi-brand approach we can offer the customer a broad portfolio of products with Tridonic components manufactured in-house. Added to which, as an international group we are capable of handling a project of this scale for Wilko and offering extensive services, enabling the customer to focus on its own core business without having to worry about the topic of lighting. I see this order as a milestone on our way to becoming a service-oriented company.”

The latest innovative LED lighting will bring Wilko up to 70 percent reduction in energy costs.

Energy reduction is one of our environmental priorities within our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. That’s why we are investing in an LED lighting solution which saves up to 70 per cent energy. As a family business we recognize the long term effect of climate change and this investment will help contribute towards reducing our overall carbon emissions. We are pleased to have Zumtobel Group as our lighting partner. The new LED lighting will enhance the customer experience in store and require virtually no maintenance for several years. Zumtobel Group will provide an effective solution for all our stores so that we can focus on our core business helping people to achieve their ‘to dos’”, says Charlotte Whitmore, CSR Manager from Wilko.

Stores remain open during conversion to LED lighting 120 existing Wilko stores have already been upgraded with the new lighting and the retailer has given the Zumtobel Group the go-ahead to supply a new LED lighting solution for the remaining stores. During installation, stores will remain open throughout all the luminaire replacement work, including necessary ceiling alterations. Both the front-of-house areas and the team member support and storage zones will be equipped with modern LED lighting, so that customers and team members all benefit from better lighting.

Lighting for different in-store requirements The majority of areas will be lit by a Thorn luminaire custom-designed for the project and equipped with LED modules and control gear from Tridonic. The key change in the new lighting solution for Wilko is that the existing surface-mounted luminaires are being replaced with recessed fittings. The main aim is to create a uniform level of illumination with very little contrast and enhance the shoppers’ experience. Thanks to its broad product portfolio, the Zumtobel Group is in a position to supply the right luminaire for each of the various areas and requirements. For instance, the storage areas are lit by the robust moistureproof Thorn Aquaforce luminaire, while the entrance areas are illuminated by high-performance CRAFT highbay luminaires from Zumtobel. Shop window illumination is provided by luminaires from Thorn’s Omega family. Emergency lighting is also included using the Thorn Voyager family of products ensuring full compliance to all regulations.
Energy efficiency and good vertical light distribution at logistics facilities Wilko is also upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting solutions in its two distribution centres in Manton Woods and Magor. As with the stores, the replacement of the existing lighting is being provided as part of a turnkey solution and implemented within a ten-week time frame. The main luminaire used here will be the robust, water-tight ForceLED fitting from Thorn, with its integrated controls and good vertical light distribution, ideally suited to meeting the requirements at these logistics facilities